The Schuylkill County Commissioners, Schuylkill Economic Development Corporation and NEPA Alliance have partnered to deliver the COVID-19 Hospitality Industry Recovery Program for eligible businesses in Schuylkill County. The CHIRP program was announced by Gov. Tom Wolf and approved by the Pennsylvania General Assembly to help hospitality businesses across the commonwealth financially impacted by closures and lost income due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In order to positively impact the most Schuylkill County businesses, this funding will be limited to $25,000 grants at this time. There have been approximately 35 grant applications approved for funding, and over 35 applications are under review. Applications are still being accepted at nepa-alliance.org/chirp.

Hospitality businesses in Schuylkill County interested in applying for this program can contact Steve Ursich at NEPA Alliance at 570-891-4649 or sursich@nepa-alliance.org.

“The CHIRP application review is ongoing and will provide relief to numerous businesses in Schuylkill County. The Schuylkill County commissioners should be commended for moving quickly to initiate this program in Schuylkill County,” said Jeffrey Box, president and CEO, NEPA Alliance.

SEDCO has directed economic development projects throughout Schuylkill County since 1952. Its 60-member board of directors consists of representatives of the countywide business, civil and community leadership. SEDCO and its predecessor agencies, in conjunction with county and local government officials, have developed industrial and business parks, supporting the creation of more than 10,000 jobs in Schuylkill County.

The NEPA Alliance, a regional community and economic development agency, serves the seven counties of Northeastern Pennsylvania including Carbon, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike, Schuylkill and Wayne. NEPA Alliance services include business financing, government contracting assistance, international trade assistance, nonprofit assistance, transportation planning, research and information, and local government services.

For more information, visit www.nepa-alliance.org or call 866-758-1929.